The Georgian Theatre’s 12th Season Cancelled

May 30, 2007

Georgian Theatre Poster Insufficent cash resources have forced The Georgian Theatre Festival to cancel its 2007 summer season at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound.

In making the announcement, the Acting Chair of the GTF Board, Bill Alguire, admitted the decision was a difficult one, made reluctantly but in fairness to all. “An inability to raise sufficient funds through fundraising event, sponsorships and grants compounded by a late marketing start and slower than expected ticket sales has drained our cash resources to the point where we could not confidently anticipate fulfilling our obligationt to the Roxy and to our patrons”.

“The Festival is not out of business”, added Alguire. “The Festival Board intends to concentrate this year on raising funds to establish a solid financial base for the future”. The Youth Theatre program will continue this year in Meaford. “It is an important part of our mandate and for the past 12 years has provided a positive activity for young people in the community”.

The Festival’s annual ‘Meaford Garden Tour’ will still be held June 23 and the ‘Chairs With Flair’ silent auction this summer will also generate revenue.

The General Manager of the Roxy Theatre, Judith Glover, admitted that she was disappointed that GTF would not be able to continue with a season this summer, but agreed that the decision was the right one under the circumstances. Alguire acknowledged that the co-operation of the Owen Sound Little Theatre and its members, as well as the City of Owen Sound, the Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce, and Owen Sound Tourism in recent months has been encouraging and helpful.

The GTF Board hopes to encourage ticket subscribers to accept a full tax receipt for the value of their subscriptions. “This becomes a donation and will go a long way to helping us move towards a more stable financial base”, Alguire stated. Patrons who purchased tickets from the Roxy Box Office should contact them to make arrangements. Full refunds will be given on request. Early Bird subscribers who purchased tickets through the GTF Box Office will be contacted in the near future. “Our patrons have been very patient these past few months and we clearly appreciate their support. We are especially disappointed to have let down our new Owen Sound area supporters”.

The GTF administration office in Meaford has been closed and staff laid off. Messages can be left at the same phone number (519.538.3569) and calls will be returned.

The GTF is holding its annual general meeting at Knox Presbyterian Church in Meaford on Wednesday, May 30 at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

This article is cross-posted from www.geotheatre.org